Building with Clay

Azusa Pacific's Clubb and Nasca learn from the world champion decathlete

WHEN last seen at Hawaii high school state track meets, Akoni Clubb and Nate Nasca were overcoming obstacles on the way to victory.

Clubb, a hurdler from King Kekaulike on Maui, won the 110 hurdles at Mililani in 2003 in the less-than-spectacular time of 15.72. But Clubb was one of just three of the eight finalists to run a clean race -- an error in hurdle placement caused the rest of the field to misstep, stumble and fall.

IN CLAY'S FOOTSTEPS

Bryan Clay collected an NAIA-record 23 All-American titles while at Azusa Pacific. Four Hawaii-bred athletes -- including Bryan's younger brother Nik -- performed for the Cougars track and field team during the just-completed indoor season. Included are their events and top marks:

NATE NASCA, PEARL CITY

In 2004 on Maui, he led Pearl City to its only state track team title, taking the 110 hurdles and 100-meter races by storm on an evening dominated by wind, mud and torrential rain. In the meet-closing 4x400 meter relay, Nasca was knocked off the track but scrambled back to help the Chargers clinch the championship.

Now, Clubb and Nasca are adjusting to the next level of track and field. They are among the few Hawaii athletes in the sport to compete in college.

They're at the right place for it, with the right mentor.

Clubb and Nasca attend Azusa Pacific University, an NAIA powerhouse. Among their coaches is Bryan Clay, the Castle High School and APU graduate, who is the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medalist in the decathlon.

Clay has especially bonded with Clubb, who is following his path as a multi-event athlete. In college, that means pentathlon in indoor season and decathlon in outdoor -- which begins today for the Cougars at Point Loma in San Diego.

Clubb was inspired by Clay even before he won the silver medal in Athens two years ago.

"My high school coach (Patrick Higa) knew Bryan, and Bryan's achievements are what got me started in track," Clubb said.

Clubb and Clay spend a lot of time together because of the decathlon and their shared Hawaii roots.

"He's kind of adopted me," Clubb said. "I go to his house to watch American Idol with him and his family (wife Sarah and baby Jacob)."

Clay knows first-hand transitioning to the decathlon is difficult, even for a versatile athlete like Clubb, who also lettered in football, wrestling and swimming in high school. But Clubb is up to the challenge, Clay said.

COURTESY OF AZUSA PACIFIC
Nate Nasca is a sprinter and football player for the Cougars.

"I definitely think he can do well. It's not an easy event, it takes a lot of work and time. But if he puts in the time and work, he can do it," Clay said. "It's more than going out and doing it. It's your mental thought process. Any time you find someone with the mental side of the decathlete, he's one step up. Akoni is definitely one of those who always wants to go out and do better. Combine that attitude with a little bit of talent and it translates into success."

Clubb, who transferred from Mt. San Antonio College, qualified for the nationals in the pentathlon during indoor season.

"I got off to a good start but I hurt my ankle in the hurdles," said Clubb, who finished 10th with 3,412 points in the championship meet two weeks ago at Johnson City, Tenn.

COURTESY OF AZUSA PACIFIC
Akoni Clubb, who does the decathlon and pentathlon, has formed a special bond with world champ Bryan Clay.

Nasca didn't fare better. He was third in his prelim in the 60 meters, running 7.03 and failed to qualify for the semifinals. He did make it to the semis in the 60-meter hurdles, but not to the finals.

APU coach Kevin Reid said Nasca will improve.

"He'll definitely be one of the better sprinters (in NAIA)," Reid said.

Nasca is also a receiver and kick returner for the Cougars football team.

"I actually came here for football," he said. "But the track program is excellent so I wanted to be part of it, too."

Nasca hooked up with Azusa via former Hawaii safety Chris Shinnick. Shinnick's brother, Peter, was the Cougars head coach (Peter Shinnick left APU for North Carolina Pembroke last December).

The 5-foot-7, 140-pound Nasca has no plans to become a decathlete.

"There's been some talk, but I'm not a big guy," he said. "I know Bryan's not really that big either, but he's a crazy freak athlete."

COURTESY OF AZUSA PACIFIC
Nate Nasca is also a football player for the Azuza Pacific Cougars.